What is the best 3D CAM Software?

I have used UG for 3d work. Actually UG is the autocad of the 3d world. So much that you can do with it. BUT it becomes overwhelming quite quickly.
Currently evaluating Hyper-MILL. Looks good for what we do.

I run Cimatron, have for a good while now and I like it fine. I have seen worknc, it was nice for nc, and i have seen many others. I think the real question should have been "what cad/cam system are you using?" because for the most part alot of users have never even seen the other software in action. I am not saying that there aren't alot of users that have been around the block but alot of the users that run one system today haven't used the other ones for a good long while. Most cam software changes every year, most of the time I would like to think it is for the better. If someone that ran mastercam a couple years ago may not have any idea what they may have fixed since then... this goes for almost every system. With Cimatron we get updates every year with very useful enhancments that make my job easier, if i have a problem I call them and i talk to a live person that knows the software that day, most of the time it is at the time i call... and more often than not i get an answer for my questions even if they are just about something that i don't know how to use in the software. They have walked me through several things on the phone as well as logging on to my machine remotely to help me out. The bottom line is I run what the boss wants me to run... my boss made a wise investment in Cimatron.

Danny

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Originally Posted by star1280

Does anyone use UGS?

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I use NX5. I was starting to feel half way comfortable in NX4, then we got the update. It's a different interface, some things better, some things not as easy to use. As some one mentioned, it's very expensive.

I have been given the task of making templates for jobs that are similar and recurring. I also need to customize the cutter, materials and speed and feeds libraries. I may start a thread about that and see if any one can offer any insight.

Mastercam X2 MR1 looking forward to MR2 soon ;) , I have heard some really nice things are coming down the pipe. Have used Mastercam for 11 years, I started with Lv5 and it was ok, but X2 is light years beyond that. It took sometime to set everything up like I like it, but I have it setup and customized the way I want it. I have custom toolbar states, tool libraries, operations libraries, tool defaults, the list goes on and on. The only thing I wish they would revamp is the WCS and the toolplanes and contruction planes. That can get frustating at times to say the least, but the shear number of ways to do something is mind blowing. They have one of the best forums on the net, and I have a great reseller. CAD/CAM Solutions with Alan, Steve, and Chris they really know their product and will go out of their way to help. I don't get any kickback or anything along those line(I wish) they have just been a pleasure to work with, and I can trully call them freinds.:cheers:

Hi evrybody, I use DELCAM software. Ithink Powermill is one of the best cnc software.

Hi evrybody, I use DELCAM software. I think Powermill is one of the best cnc software.

Ben

Quality (="...most powerful...", "...the best...") is consistent fitness for purpose.

I have years of VB/VBA/VBScript experience and in settling for a CAD-CAM system I chose Rhino beacause it makes it incredibly fast and easy for me to test, vary and combine designs using VBScript. It amplifies me. Remember that I am the one that is triying to convince prospects to exchange money for what I make.

So, for people like me and for the purposes of developing and testing ideas as well as producing infinitely variable and intricate designs quickly and easily, none on earth is like Rhino CAD-CAM.

We have been using SURFCAM on our EDM with good results for 2 axis machining, there are a few cumbersome moments with the Software not least of all the price tag.

I agree with The Nigerian. Rhino and Rhinocam allows my projects to flow out like water. No regrets, best $2500 I ever spent.

Rob

I have been satisfied with Cadkey/Fastsurf/FScam. Do 3d wind tunnel models all the time and it works fine. About the same price as Autocad.

I have friends working for several large and small companies doing injection molding, Tyco is one. They all use Solidworks or ProE. Expensive, $20K plus per seat, and they take a pro a year to learn, but do everything.

I forgot to answer the question, and like the other gentlemen I too feel that to be an accomplished programmer one needs to understand the programming language in its true form, which requires a mathematical thought pattern one which I myself do not posses but which some do. I think CAM and CAD software have made it possible for dummies like me to use my artistic mind and create tangible results using the platform created by those with a mathematical mind. So I guess the answer is yes the software should calculate the circular interpolation so that I dont have to.